Heavy snow falls on region, closing most area schools

A blizzard warning is in effect until Monday evening for much of eastern North Dakota and west central Minnesota.

As of 8:30 p.m., wind gusts of 40-50 mph were occuring across the Dakotas and the winds were spreading to western and southern Minnesota. The gusty conditions were expected to persist into Monday evening.

Just before 11 p.m. Sunday, Minnesota Department of Transportation officials announced they were closing Interstate 94 between Moorhead and Alexandria; Highway 10 between Moorhead and Audubon; and Highway 210 between Breckenridge and Fergus Falls.

Also, schools will be closed in a number of communities in the region Monday, including Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, Hubbard County schools and Wadena County.

Meanwhile, the North Dakota Department of Transportation and MNDOT have issued travel alerts for many parts of North Dakota and west central Minnesota due to blowing and drifting snow that was creating icy conditions and reduced visibility.

Drivers who do venture out are encouraged to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.

The Weather Service said snow was expected to spread from west to east across the region overnight, with the potential for rapid accumulation in a short amount of time.

Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected across much of the region by Monday evening, acording to the Weather Service. But areas of Hubbard County were already reporting 8-10 inches by Monday morning.